What is the biblical significance of the Jordan River?
The Jordan River has since biblical times been imbued with powerful symbolic meanings: it is a boundary and a crossing point, a metaphor for spiritual rebirth and salvation, and a source of holy water.
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The source of the River Jordan, the Sea of Galilee is actually a freshwater lake. It was the setting for several of Jesus' miracles, including calming the storm and walking on water.
Because the Jordan River represented a place of transition — in fact, of new beginnings — it became the place where John baptized Jesus. But instead of the waters parting, the heavens did (Mark 1:10)!
As the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ, the Jordan River is the source of all holy water in Christianity and has for centuries attracted pilgrims from across the world.
On the banks of the Jordan River where the Bible says Jesus was baptized, 15-foot-high reeds rustle in the wind. The site on the Jordanian side of the river looks much like the New Testament describes it when John the Baptist came to live in the wilderness, surviving on locusts and wild honey.
Although the exact spot where the water is now is not historical, like the old baptism site, it is still spiritual. It's what the Jordan River represents that is so important. It's where Christians of today can come and perform baptisms in the same river where John the Baptist performed one on Jesus 2000 years ago.
The Jordan is not a massive river. Its width averages about 100 feet and its depth ranges from three to 10 feet. But it is a living river, home to 30 species of fish, 16 of which are unique to the Jordan. For Christians, its waters are considered life-giving, for it was in this river that Jesus was baptized by John.